Have questions about HID Corporate 1000 iClass cards? We have answers!

What are Corporate 1000 iClass Proximity Cards?

Proximity cards, also known as prox cards, are low frequency 125 kHz credentials that feature an embedded metallic antenna coil that stores cardholder data. Data stored on a proximity card, key fob, or tag can be detected by a reader when the proximity card is passed within range.

Proximity cards are commonly used as access control cards and are also used in security, identification, ticketing, toll, and other applications that require fast processing speeds.

The proprietary HID Corporate 1000 Program was developed by HID and offers a standard single card access control solution. They developed a 35-bit and later a 48-bit card format that can provide over a million individual card numbers within an assigned format to increase security and prevent fraudulent card duplication. This format can be programmed into any HID card, key fob, or key tag.

Corporate 1000 Formats Explained:- Corporate 1000 - 35, 35 bit, used by those registered for the Corporate 1000 program prior to February, 2015.- Corporate 1000 - 48, 48 bit, used by those registered for the Corporate 1000 program after February, 2015.

What are the benefits of Corporate 1000 iClass Prox Cards?

The primary benefits of these prox cards include:

Increased Security: Corporate 1000 programming offers enhanced security over standard 26-bit HID prox cards in two ways. First, HID reserves an exclusive 48-bit format for each end user. This makes the proximity cards unique and proprietary to each company. Second, HID controls the availability of the cards by using a written authorization form. Resellers like ID Wholesaler can source the cards on your behalf but only after we have your approval in writing.

Card Duplication Prevention: Regardless of where you buy the cards, HID keeps track of the number sequences in circulation. This guarantees that duplicate prox cards will not be sold to your company.

Increased Range of Credential Numbers: The maximum card number for a Corporate 1000 card is over 1,000,000. In comparison, standard 26-bit prox cards are limited to a maximum number of only 65,535. With Corporate 1000 cards, an additional 934,465 card numbers are available before a duplicate number would be created. Due to the higher numbering available, large organizations are assured that cards will be available for a long period of time.

Who can use Corporate 1000 iClass Prox Cards?

The vast majority of companies requesting participation are accepted; however, HID does not have an official list of qualifications in order to participate in the Corporate 1000 Program.

To receive the most value from this Program, HID recommends Corporate 1000 prox card usage for organizations meeting the following:

require a more sophisticated, secure card format

have multiple facilities or locations

have multiple card purchasing decision makers

require cards and/or card readers to operate at high volumes

How long does it take, and how much does it cost?

Enrollment in the HID Corporate 1000 Program is as simple as completing and submitting the Corporate 1000 Authorization and Change Forms (these forms are located under “Additional Resources” on Corporate 1000 ID card product pages).

After the Corporate 1000 Authorization and Change Forms are submitted to HID, processing and shipment can be expected within two weeks.

There is no charge for Corporate 1000 prox card format development or initial set-up.

It’s important to note that Corporate 1000 card configurations are custom and are therefore not returnable.

Corporate 1000 proximity cards are not compatible with other bit formats. If you are currently using HID cards that are not 48-bit format, you have the option to replace all of your existing cards simultaneously or to gradually transition into the Corporate 1000 Program. If the latter option is selected, you will need to be aware of the following potential constraints:

If your facility is currently using a format that is not 48-bit, it will need to be determined whether your existing access control platform is able to manage two different formats at the same time. If it is not able to manage two separate formats concurrently, there are two options. (1.) All users located at the facility would need to be re-badged with an ID card in the new format; or (2.) an upgrade to the existing platform would be required so that both ID card formats could be managed simultaneously.

Regardless of the facility, it is critical to verify the existing or proposed access control platform can manage the Corporate 1000 48-bit format. There are older platforms are not capable of the 48-bit format. A small number of newer platforms have similar limitations.

If an existing access control platform is able to handle multiple formats, you will need to confirm it can effectively process the same prox card number in more than one format (e.g., if there is a 48-bit format with Card #100 and a 26-bit format with a Card #100, will your system be able to process this correctly?).

A Corporate 1000 iCLass prox card start number is necessary, because there could be an issue with duplicate card numbers if two or more bit formats are being used on the same access control platform at the same time.

In order to prevent this, you can choose to start your card numbering on the new 48-bit format at the highest card number currently in use at your facility. HID recommends using a card start number of 66,000 if you are uncertain of the highest card number in a 26-bit format currently in use at your facility.